The famous Santa Fe author who claims to have hidden a treasure chest in the Rocky Mountains said a hiker's death is "regrettable."

Years ago, Forrest Fenn wrote a poem containing clues he said would lead people to a location where he left a chest that contains almost $2 million in gold and jewels.

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But this week, Santa Fe police said searchers found the remains of Randy Bilyeu, a hiker who went missing in January trying to find the treasure.

"I think it's very regretful, terrible," said Fenn during an interview in his Santa Fe home.

This isn't the first time Fenn's poem has caused problems.

Three years ago, a woman got lost in the mountains overnight. Just last month, Santa Fe police arrested Francisco Chavez after they said he was stalking Fenn's granddaughter thinking she was the treasure.

When Action 7 News asked Fenn about those cases, he said he was at a loss.

"I don't know what to say about that," Fenn said.

But he did admit the quest comes with the risk.

"Anytime a person goes into the forest, you take a chance," Fenn said.

Bilyeu's ex-wife, Linda, said any future treasure hunters need to be prepared.

"Actually, make sure the treasure exists before you go searching for it," Linda Bilyeu said.

She said she doesn't believe the chest actually exists, but did say during a phone interview that she's glad her family finally has some closure.

The Medical Investigator's Office is waiting on autopsy results to figure out exactly how Bilyeu died.